Have you been asked to try Shakeology - or become a Shakeology Beachbody Coach? I have – several times. I’ve been asked to try this product so many times from so many different people that I decided to write this Shakeology review so you know the facts. Is Shakeology safe? Will Shakeology help weight loss? These are questions I will address. Shakeology is one of the products sold by the company, BeachBody. Beachbody markets many health and fitness products, probably the most popular of which the P90X workout by Tony Horton. If you want to know how Shakeology tastes, check out my Shakeology Taste Test.
What does Shakeology mean?
The suffix ology means “the study of” so Shakeology literally means “the study of shakes“, In this case, it’s a health and weight loss shake that contains various fruits, enzymes, vitamins, protein, etc.
It’s a catchy name and gives the impression that there is some science behind Shakeology. But, when I entered “Shakeology” into the National Library of Medicine website, I found no published peer reviewed studies on this product.
Most health and weight loss shakes don’t have any research to back up what they are saying but I wanted to double check just in case because the name of this product stood out to me.
On the Shakeology website, I noticed a reference to a study that drinking Shakeology can lower cholesterol levels but there doesn’t appear to be any published studies to back up this claim. At the bottom of the website (Shakeology.com) I see a reference that says :
“In a 90-day study, participants replaced one meal per day with Shakeology, ate a balanced diet, and exercised moderately three times per week. Total cholesterol was reduced on average by 30% and LDL cholesterol was reduced on average by 38%.”
But, this doesn’t seem to be a published peer reviewed study. Questions I asked myself included:
- Who were the people in this “study”?
- Were they men? Were they women?
- Did they have normal cholesterol or high cholesterol?
- What was their LDL levels before the study?
- Did exercise play any role in the outcomes?
Fruits contain soluble fiber and Shakeology has a lot of different fruits, so the study outcomes kind of make sense. But, would the same effect be seen if people just blended up some fruits themselves?
Losing weight can also reduce cholesterol. So, did cholesterol and LDL levels change simply because of weight loss, rather than Shakeology? I don’t know because it doesn’t look like the subjects were compared to those who did not use Shakeology.
Shakeology ingredients
There are a LOT of ingredients in Shakeology. Below you will see that I copied the ingredients from the Shakeology.com website (I used the chocolate version) and separated them into different sections to make this review easier.
| Total calories | 140 |
| Calories from fat | 10 |
| Total fat | 1 g (2% DV) |
| Cholesterol | 15 mg (5% DV) |
| Sodium | 100 mg (4% DV) |
| Total carbohydrates | 17 g (6% DV) |
| Dietary fiber | 3 g (12% DV) |
| Sugars | 9 g |
| Protein | 17 g (34% DV) |
The total calories are based on 1 scoop (48 grams) mixed with water.
This doesn’t look too bad to me. In fact, the calories, protein, fat etc. are similar to other popular protein mixes. A scoop also has 135 mg of the sweetener, stevia.
Super fruit blend
Shakeology also has several types of what they call Super Fruits. Here is the list:
| Acerola powder (fruit) | Cordyceps |
| Camu-Camu powder (fruit) | Maitake powder |
| Pomegranate powder (fruit) | Reishi powder |
| Bilberry powder (fruit) | Citrus bioflavonoids |
| Blueberry powder (fruit) | Rose Hips powder (fruit) |
| Lycium (Goji) powder (berry) | Schisandra |
| Açai powder (berry) | Suma powder (root) |
| Acerola powder (fruit) | Gingko powder (leaf) |
We are not told how much of each fruit is in Shakeology, only that the total of everything equals 2075 mg (or about 2 grams). I’m OK with that given that small amounts of phytonutrients (plant nutrients) tend to pack a big punch when it comes to health.
In the list you will noticed citrus bioflavonoids. This is technically not a fruit but rather a plant-nutrient (phytonutrient).
A couple of ingredients in this list did stand out to me. One is ginkgo. I suppose they added ginkgo to Shakeology because it has some antioxidant properties. But ginkgo also has anti blood clotting properties that in theory may interact with blood thinner medications.
Ginkgo may also interact with medications used to treat:
- seizures
- diabetes
- cholesterol
- depression
Ginkgo is listed as the last ingredient, so I’m guessing there is not a lot of ginkgo in Shakeology but I felt this was worth mentioning.
Given that Shakeology has probably not been clinically tested in people who take prescription medications, I personally would prefer they remove ginkgo from Shakeology just to be safe.
Cordyceps also caught my eye. In some circles cordyceps is touted to improve aerobic exercise performance. But there isn’t much proof that cordyceps works and some research that cordyceps doesn’t help exercise.
Shakeology also contains acai berry, which is one of the principle ingredients in MonaVie which I reviewed previously. For more information on acai also see Acai Berry A Review Based on The Facts and The Acai Berry Diet.
Nondairy probiotic blend
Shakeology also contains several probiotics. These are basically friendly-bacteria. They are as follows:
| Bifodobacterium longum | Lactobacillus bulgaricus |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus | Lactobacillus casei |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 | Streptococcus thermophilus |
Probiotics appear to have a wide range of potential uses such as helping irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea.
People who have immune deficiencies like HIV should be cautious with probiotics and consult their doctor before using.
We are not told how much of each bacteria is in this blend but only that its total is 150 mg. Often the amount of probiotics in a supplement are reported as colony forming units (CFU). People may want to ask how many CFUs are in this 150 mg.
Tip. ask “are the bacteria alive now?”. Sometimes the probiotic bacteria are alive when the product is made but die off the longer the product is not used. This can reduce their effectiveness.
Proprietary enzyme blend (135 mg)
| Amylase | Lipase |
| Papain | Protease |
| Cellulase | Bromelain |
| Lactase |
What is an enzyme? It’s basically a protein. What happens when protein reaches the stomach? Its digested. Our bodies treat enzymes just like protein from whey, soy, chicken, etc. It breaks the protein up into amino acids, absorbs the amino acids and uses them to do whatever it needs – whether it be help to build muscle or repair a cell in your pinky finger.
While I can sort of see how enzymes might help those who have digestion problems, I never understood why healthy people needed enzyme supplements.
Other ingredients in Shakeology
| Ashwagandha powder 100 mg | Grape seed extract (seed) 50 mg |
| Barley grass 100 mg | Green tea decaffeinated extract 50 mg |
| Kamut grass 100 mg | Holy basil powder (leaf) 50 mg |
| Oat grass 100 mg | Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) 50 mg |
| Wheat grass 100 mg |
Ashwagandha. Sometimes called “Indian ginseng” this herb appears to have several effects like helping the immune system. Most effects however have not been well studied. One warning that is sometimes mentioned (but hard to corroborate) concerns pregnant women: ashwagandha may cause premature birth of the unborn baby.
Barley grass. A few studies suggest that barley may lower cholesterol and LDL. As such, this may be one of the ingredients responsible for the observations in the Shakeology study mentioned above.
Since barley (and other ingredients) contains gluten, I wonder how people with Celiac disease would react to it. For more on gluten see my review Glutamine vs Gluten What’s the Difference. Shakeology is said to be gluten free.
Grape seed extract. This is a popular antioxidant and is mostly studied in people who have heart disease. Shakeology only contains 50 mg of grape seed extract which is less than that used in grape seed extract research.
One study noted that taking grape seed extract (1000 mg/day) along with 500 mg of vitamin C increased blood pressure. Shakeology does not contain this much grape seed extract but I thought it was worth mentioning if any readers have high blood pressure.
Holy basil. At least one study has noted that holy basil might lower blood sugar levels after eating. As such it may interact with diabetes medications. Holy basil may also interact with blood thinner medications.
Amaranth. I could not turn up much on this ingredient. Some research hints that amaranth can lower cholesterol levels.
Is Shakeology safe?
For healthy people yes shakeology is safe but for people who may not be healthy, its hard to say but generally Id still say yes. I do have concerns about ginkgo (I would remove it from Shakeology) and people with immune system disorders.
Another popular health shake is one sold by Body By Vi or Body By Visalus. I’ve written a few reviews on Body by Vi. Here is my review of the Body By Vi Shake. From there you can also see the other reviews Ive written on this line of supplements.
Will Shakeology help weight loss?
In the Shakeology program, people are instructed to replace one meal a day with Shakology. They are also supposed to exercise 3x a week and eat a healthy diet. This is similar to the reasoning behind other weight loss plans you’ve probably already head of. For example:
- SlimFast: drink 2 shakes and eat a sensible dinner
- Special K diet: eat 2 bowls of cereal and eat a sensible meal
If you read my review of Right Size Smoothies, you may remember that the Right Size Smoothie plan was to replace 2 meals with 2 smoothies.
So, the idea behind Shakeology for weight loss makes sense; just use the shake to reduce the calories you eat.
So for people who don’t have the time to eat well or make their meals, I can see how something like Shakeology (or similar weight loss shake) would be attractive. People are more likely to do things that are easy.
How does Shakeology taste?
Does Shakeology taste good? I had a chance to try Shakeology thanks to a friend who gave me some samples. Here are the results of myShakeology taste test.
How much does Shakeology Cost?
According to my research Shakeology costs $119.95 a month (30 servings). This comes to about $4 per shake. You may be able to get it a cheaper than this if you are a Team Beachbody coach and have other Beachbody coaches selling products under you on the pyramid. As such, some people may become Beachbody coaches as a way to get Shakeology cheaper.
What is a Team Beachbody Coach?
Team Beachbody Coaches may or may not have a background in fitness, health or wellness. On the TeamBeachBody.com website it says only that:
“You don’t need to be a fitness or weight-loss expert to become a Beachbody Coach. You just need to be ready to commit to changing your life.”
That’s a little vague, so do ask about the credentials of a Beachbody Coach before you take any specific health advice from them.
The name Beachbody Coach is actually smart marketing. Instead of calling the people who sell Shakeology (and other Beachbody products) Beachbody distributors, they call them “Coaches”. It’s like Walmart calling their sales staff “Associates”.
To be a Team Beachbody coach, people pay $39.99 to start. Beachbody coaches receive a commission for sales they make. Fortunately, Beachbody coaches do not have to buy Shakeology or other Beachbody products before they sell them. Team Beachbody coaches also are used to help people reach their fitness goals. The extent to which they can help would depend on how smart -fitness wise they are. Remember Beachbody coaches don’t have to know anything about fitness, health or wellness.
Beachbody coaches also try to recruit others to become Beachbody coaches. They in turn, receive commissions on what their recruits sell.
So, Team Beachbody has a multi level marketing aspect. I’m not against MLM companies but it does by nature give incentives to coaches whose main goal is to recruit new people rather than selling the product. This ultimately might dilute the quality of the coaching service.
Shakeology and personal trainers
Many of the Shakeology distributors (Team Beachbody Coaches) that I have encountered are personal trainers.
I must tell those fitness trainers that their personal trainer liability insurance will NOT protect them from lawsuits stemming from recommendations about supplements. For healthy people I think Shakeology is safe but I would not recommend Shakeology (or other supplements) to people with health problems.
What do you think about Shakeology?
{ 289 comments… read them below or add one }
← Previous Comments
Joe-
I really appreciate your honest review. I’m normally not one to comment on articles, but I could not resist. I completely understand when you say you aren’t going to add more ingredients to make Shakeology taste better when it already is very expensive! I also agree that it is very safe to say that the weight loss people have experienced could very well have just been to the reduction in calories.
Thanks so much for posting your honest unbiased opinion! I will be reading more of your articles!
SP, thanks for your words. I appreciate you taking the time to write!
This supplement geek is either promoting the product and pretending not to or is acting as a facilitator for other ads on this blog. I’m not buyin this “unbiased review” and “geek” thing for one second. How is that he says “the beach body coaches I’ve been around….”. If he is truly an independent geek reviewer he won’t be “hanging around” with product distributors. Watch these “reviewers” like a hawk!
Mike, is it really so hard for you to believe that there is somebody out there who is not trying to scam you or sell you something? If you search my website you will NEVER see an instance where I used this site to promote any supplement. I link mostly to published peer reviewed scientific studies because I believe you deserve to see the facts for yourself. There are no affiliate links here and there are not bait and switch articles either.
I am the ONLY PERSON who writes reviews on this website. There are no “reviewers.” It’s just me.
I have degrees in chemistry and biology and exercise physiology and I’ve written 6 books. My book on supplements alone has over 900 references to back up my conclusions. Does it get any geekier than that?
As for Beachbody, do you really think I am secretly promoting beach body products? Have you read my Shakeology reviews LOL?
Did you read where I said Shakeology was the WORST tasting shake I’ve ever had?
Did you read the venom coming from other Beach Body coaches and how some threatened to BOYCOTT my website if I did not change what I was saying?
Sure I know a few BB coaches – and they are nice people! They know my position about shakeology and I know theirs. To say I am not unbiased because I know BB coaches is as RIDICULOUS as Rick Santorum – during the Republican debates -blasting Newt Gingrich for sitting on the sofa with Nancy Pelosi! It’s an untenable argument.
As for the ads on my site, they dont pay me to be there. Google decides that. I dont make a cent unless an ad is clicked. The ads you see are based on what I write about and well as your web surfing history. Different people will see different things.
Mike, I invite you to watch me like a hawk. Hopefully in time you’ll see that I’m just trying to help people and make the web a better place.
Joe thank you so much! Everything I’ve seen online has been biased and the distributors even write articles misleading themselves that they are unbiased. Your information is very informative and I wanted to compare the ingredients to Arbonne’s vegan protein shakes (which I represent) which are gluten free, dairy free, whey free without any artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors. AND they are half the price! Thanks again for uncovering the shakeology ingredients!
Janet, thanks I appreciate your words and offer. I may take you up on it if I review Arbonne’s weight loss shake.
Joe,
My thoughts here address my earlier comments concerning your Shakelolgy taste and product reviews and my rather scathing comment on this thread, for which I must apologize. I’ve been involved in hosting endless blogs and internet marketing in my particular industry for over 10 years now and unfortunately there are many times hidden agendas in the form of “unbiased reviews”.
I noticed when I was trying to enter my comment to you a big yellow “buy now” button showed up at the bottom of the page I was on. This link was for a weight loss product. This immediately aroused my suspicion concerning the review’s actual purpose. I can’t seem to find it again so maybe it was a fluke but it was there at that point in time. And, I had no delusions of your association with Beach Body, just that you were associated with some conflicting concern.
I’m glad to hear that my hyper-aware marketing nature was wrong about this one! As for myself, I have no affiliation with Beachbody whatsoever either, other than I love the product and take it daily. I first heard of Shakeology through an article in Oprah Magazine and was amazed with not only the detailed reporting and hands-on investigation committed to by both Oprah and the reporter, but the singular focus the founder seems to have in his search for ingredients from around the world. His globe-trekking quest for unique plant and herb based ingredients that are useful across a broad spectrum led, in many cases, to (re)discoveries of nutrients that have benefits that are many times best known by the indigent people in the sometimes very remote corners of the globe they originated from.
These are the kinds of products that I’m fascinated by! I came away from that article fully believing that every component Shakeology contains is there because the founder believes it will increase our health or longevity, or both. I take it because it appears to me to be the most well researched (read the article if you haven’t already) and most nutrient dense “food” I personally have ever seen or heard of.
When I got my first bag I was prepared to suck it up no matter if it tasted like the runoff from my driveway. I would rather the taste suffer than the effectiveness any day. No pain, no gain as they say. Personally, I can’t see how anyone can “hate” it but I’ve only tried the chocolate so the Greenberry may be different.
I’m sure I was over-passioned in my response when I read this blog and found that everyone seems so concerned with taste while there is absolutely no discussion about the actual research and years of labor (the only things that really matter) that have gone into its formulation.
So keep up the good work and let me know if you agree that our bias should lean toward products that result from exhaustive research as opposed to marketing hype.. PS, I believe live enzymes are exactly what’s missing in today’s overproduced food chain.
Mike, no apologizes needed and I can completely understand where your coming from. If you found something that works for you that’s great. My goals for this site are to give people a place where they can read a science-based review that is not sponsored by anyone so that they can make a more informed decision, free from the hype and spin that so frequently accompanies supplement advertisements. The ads are the most ethical way I know to help maintain the site but I can understand how they might have given you the wrong impression. I get passionate about this stuff myself so no need fret over being “over passionate.” Keep it up because that’s a good thing!
Reporters for the most part get stuff correct from the person “telling” them it is correct. The mass media we listen to has not scientific foundation. Ask a GNC employee how they figure out how well their products work. It should scare you. I would never put Oprah and something of sound scientific value in the same sentence. I think Shakeology is a great idea, but since so many people buy it without any true science… there is no incentive to conduct such research.
When I asked my “coach” about a trial to support the science behind Shakeology, he proceeded to tell me that there is no true trial, but a money-back guarantee. If that’s not confusion between marketing and science, I don’t know what is. (And yes I think it sounds like Tony Horton proclaiming that German Potato soup is a great recovery food). Tony and Carl are great at what they do, but let’s not act like a bunch of idiots here.
This blog is proving there is no science behind Shakeology. If you choose to use it, do so at your own risk!
Great review! I’d also like to add that I think its great they use decaffeinated green tea in this product. So that its not caffeine that is manipulating your appetite or energy levels. Also, its better for people with kidney and bladder sensitivity. I’ve been using this product as a way to get a healthy breakfast on the run and I’m very happy with it. The chocolate tastes good!
Amazing review plenty of great info… What do you think about Isopure unflavored protein powder? Also wanted your opinion on Ron Paul, personally I think he is the only candidate that speaks the truth…
Nas, I think isopure is fine a fine protein supplement but remember that amino acids are better absorbed when they have some carbs with them. If your looking for just protein then I think its fine. As you said its unflavored. I didnt care for the test myself but Im sure a lot of people think its just fine.
Ron Paul, well I’m enjoying the debates and he has some good zingers. I admit, there is a part of me that would like to see a “President Paul” knock some heads together and clean house. I do think the Gov has gotten too big and I’m all having for freedom and privacy (FYI I saw that Beach Body was one of the companies in FAVOR of the SOPA and PIPA anti piracy bills. They changed their support when people got wind of it. Zumba was in favor of it too!) but I wonder about some other things… I think there is definitely a place for him in the Republican party.
Thought you’d find this interesting. It’s a Business Week profile and look at Darin Olien (Shakeology’s Papa), Shakeology itself and some other scientific/Beachbody players who created and oversee the supplement. I’ve included the link for page 2 which has the most detail (there’s 3 pages).
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/the-adventures-of-superfood-man-01262012_page_2.html
Dan, thanks for passing that along. Its interesting and please DO let me know if Beach Body ever does publish that clinical study that they mention (but dont tell much about) in the Business Week article.
I think some of the points they mention about how they pick the shakeology ingredients is flawed science. They talk about how they contact local experts about ingredients but dont mention what education those local experts have. Also, just because one ingredient might do something does not mean it does the same thing when mixed with all the other ingredients. Still, I will be looking forward to seeing the research study.
Yeah, I thought those comments about WASG were pretty interesting myself. I’m looking forward to the clinicals and will pass along as soon as I’m made aware of their publication.
sounds good Dan thanks
Wow. Thanks for your honesty. I’m on the P90X program and have heard so much about Shakeology that my ears are bleeding. I was skeptical because they push it so hard. You didn’t support or denounce it, and you brought up some good points about ginkgo and ginseng. Now I can see why people feel energetic and lose that when they stop drinking it for a couple days.
Ginseng is dangerous for people with heart problems and is found in a lot of those energy drinks people have begun to get addicted to. I think I’ll stick with coffee and my usual protein shake….I eat lots of fruits/veg and take a multi anyways. Thanks for your honesty and good luck to you!
Joe….I take Zocor. Do you think I need to be concerned about the Ginko?
Jeremy, I think shakeology probably doesn’t have a lot of gingko in it but I also don’t think its something that you need. Why dont you try this. Take the ingredients to your doctor or pharmacist and see what they think.
Chantelle, thanks and good luck to you also
I was wondering if you have done a review on the Visalus “Shake that tastes like a cake” meal replacement. I used to use Shakeology but came to the same conclusion you have provided, maybe but who really knows as there is no scientific evidence to support their claims.
Additionally, there seems to be issues for some having gastro issues because of the product. So I found Visalus to be a better option, less expensive, tastes better and it works without the exercise you need for Shakeology to be successful. Just wonder if you have any comments?
Marc, Yes Ive done a couple of Visalus reviews here is my review on the Body By Vi Shake http://supplement-geek.com/visalus-review-vi-shape-visalus-supplements-body-by-vi-challang-weight-loss/
I also compared body by vi to shakeolody also here is that review http://supplement-geek.com/shakeology-visalus-body-by-vi-ingredients-compare/
I will also update my reviews of Shakeology and include a link to Body by Vi in case others are wondering about it. thanks for the heads up!
Didn’t know where to post his ? Could you please tell me your thoughts on Protandim ! Thank you
Kathy, I did a fast search for it today and it looks like an anti-aging supplement. Thanks for letting me know about this! I will look into it further in the near future. Until then know that no supplement can slow the rate of aging. they say its “clinically proven” and Ill be looking at their research when I review it. I did see that it has Ashwagandha – if you search the site for that you’ll see the other products that contained it.
I am NOT a Beachbody coach but I have been drinking the Greenberry Shakeology drink for about 6 months now and I love it. It’s very strange because I am usually a very picky eater but for some reason I like this. I make it with coconut water and blend it with ice to make it really thick. It’s so thick I eat it with a spoon. I haven’t found anyone I know who likes the shake besides me. I am also looking forward to the Tropical flavor that comes out next week. I’m hoping I like the taste of that one as well. I have tried the chocolate shake but did not like it. I’m not a huge chocolate fan anyway.
Thanks so much for the review. I am not a Beachbody coach, but have used Shakeology and other (video) products offered by them. Before taking the Shakeology I did look at the extensive ingredients and I felt like it was too much to evaluate. The things I did not like were the stevia, ginsing and the acai berry. Although it looks as though they are minimal. I don’t use the Shakeology every day but it is a great supplement when I don’t have the time/energy/resources to prepare a healthy meal. And to that end I have not noticed any side effects. Thank You for your input. It was helpful.
My pleasure MommaO
Shakeology is certified gluten free, so that’s a major mistake in your review. They have good customer service in my experience. Not perfect, but better than a lot of companies today, IMHO. You also haven’t mentioned the new VEGAN version with no animal products at all. (Which is understandable since it’s only been available to order for 2 days.)
Coach price is about 25 cents more a serving, which I think is a reasonable increase for a more unique product. Whey is in nearly everything, and this is brown rice based protein, so for vegans or those with allergen or digestive issues from animal based supplements, this may be a huge attraction.
As to taste the new Vegan Shakeology is Tropical Strawberry which I’m hoping will be a flavor most people will like. The Greenberry is something I’ve got to be in the mood for. The chocolate I love.
You should try it again with 4 oz ice, 4 oz water vs just water. I agree with the statement that with just water, it’s just OK. But who wants a room temperature shake? Blech. Ice in everything I make, even the recovery drink. I sometimes add coffee, peppermint oil, or peanut butter, or combos like cold coffee/peppermint to chocolate Shakeology. Those are GREAT, IMHO. And they have changed the formula some since your review over a year ago.
As for the free trial, there is a ‘bottom of the bag’ guarantee. If you want to test it, I would do this: 1. Sign up as a Coach. 2. Order the box with both flavors on autoship/home direct so you can try both flavors, but I can tell you the chocolate is vastly preferred over greenberry and the tropical is so new most people don’t have it yet. 3. Get your cholesterol checked, take measurements such as weight. 4. Take it for a month with your regular routine, working out or not. 5. At the end of thirty days, keep going if you’re satisfied or send the coach kit and the empty bag/box back for a refund. Autoship makes shipping free, so your only risk is the postage to mail a small package back. $8 at most? $8 for 1.44 kilos of supplement is a good price. If you think it’s a scam, scam us right back buy getting a month’s supply for $8 or less.
Suma Root has been taken out of the newest Vegan Shakeology and all future packages of the other flavors. Beachbody listens, I think. They continually do things like that. Non-GMO sweeteners for example, was another change.
Robert, I dont think not mentioning that shakeology was gluten free was a “major” mistake in my review. I know that there are people who can’t tolerate gluten and that’s great that shakeology is gluten free. But I also know that “gluten free” is trendy. Capitalism dictates that you go where the money is. If it were only gluten insensitive people who were buying gluten free products, then hardly anybody would be selling gluten free products. Research finds thats that most people can digest gluten just fine. For those who cant digest gluten, then gluten free makes sense.
I still believe I have one of the most unbiased Shakeology reviews on the web but I am willing to try the new Shakeology flavor and write about it if any BB coaches want to send me some samples.
Rob, I removed your BB affiliate link from your post. I’m honestly surprised that you tried to get me to sign up under you as a BB coach! You could have said “sign up at BB.com” which would have been fine but you sent me through your own website link to do it. My hats off to you for your chutzpah but that’s not going to happen. I let your website – and FB page – slide in another post because you offered some interesting info on tax deductions for Beach Body coaches, but trying to recruit me just took the cake.
You also posted about 9 different times today, most of them on this post. I love comments because that’s how I learn from others but you could have said almost everything in 1 or 2 comments. Each comment had your website link and/or your Facebook page. If I was a suspicious person, I’d think you were trying to maximize the chances of somebody seeing your link and clicking on it so you could sell them shakeology. If I’m wrong, I apologize. That’s just a trick I see online sometimes.
As for the claim that shakeology lowers cholesterol, maybe it does and maybe it doesn’t. Let’s study it in the ABSENCE of weight loss and see what happens. Rob, weight loss causes reductions in cholesterol so if I lost weight with shakeology (and I have no reason to think I would not if I followed the plan ) then how would you know it was the shakeology that did it? Why not get 100 people and randomly give them 2700 calories per day and have them work out the same. Some get shakeology and some get a placebo powder drink that had the same calories. That would be abetter test as to whether shakeology can lower cholesterol or not.
Hey college students, this would be a GREAT project to do (hint hint!)
Responded also via email so I’m not accused of spamming.
I know someone who has gluten issues, and their ‘wellness doctor’ told them Shakeology has gluten which it clearly does not so it’s a bit of sore spot for me. It says gluten free on the bag, so no one should ever say that it does. It’s kinda like saying ‘That car isn’t a Ford’ when it has the ‘Ford’ logo on it. ‘Major’ is debatable, but all it takes is a look at the labeling, which you do in great detail, so it’s confusing that you missed it. I agree most people don’t have issues but for those that do this has useful ingredients that are harvested young, before they develop gluten. Have your wheatgrass and eat it too.
This is a simple method of calories in versus calories burned. It doesn’t matter if it is Shakeology, a banana, or milk chocolate. If you consider the obesity rates in the United States, supplementing one meal a day for a 140 calorie replacement….work out as directed…etc…etc… you are almost guaranteed that some weight will be released from your body. I am not saying a calorie is a calorie but I think it is a safe bet that if you take the average lunch in this country out of your diet and replace it with 140 calorie substitute…and not work out…a person could more than likely still lose some weight.
Just don’t get it ? These BB coaches are OCD about this stuff . Seems overpriced and not much research is done on it .They must be making alot of $$$ on it ! I am more interested in health then the lastest FAD out there ! Have heard alot of good things on Red Yeast Rice and how it lowers your LDL. So happy I finally found someone who is honest! Always thankful for your unbiased thoughts!
Robert, yes I did see your email yesterday, thanks for writing. My not mentioning that shakeology was gluten free was just that it was not my main focus and so I did not think to do it. My goal was to review the ingredients. I will go back and add that in now however. As for the “wellness doctor” I’d be curious of the background of the person (MD, pHd etc). Even if they were a “doctor” nobody knows everything and it was just a mistake. We all make them.
Kathy, thanks I’m glad you found me too
Yes red yeast rice has research that it can lower cholesterol levels. Thats because it contains an ingredient that is basically a primitive statin drug.
Correct me if I’m wrong but I thought a product could not be considered gluten free if it contains barley!
According to Wikipedia the definition of gluten free is: gluten-free diet is a diet that excludes foods containing gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat (including kamut and spelt), barley, rye, malts and triticale. It is used as a food additive in the form of a flavoring, stabilizing or thickening agent, often as “dextrin”.
If Shakeology if doing false advertising, they are opening themselves up to a potential lawsuit. I know Arbonne’s shakes are gluten free and certified vegan made with pea protein, brown rice protein and cranberry proton.
Yes, we are OCD, because we have to be. If we were not we’d get lambasted every time we weren’t 100% clear. People like to toss about comments like ‘It’s overpriced!’. On the face of it, yes, it appears so. I don’t think under $3 a serving is overpriced. Again coach cost, because to buy it any other way is a waste of money. One bag every 7.5 weeks is break even on the fees. $89.96 shipped for advertised 30 servings, really 33-35. I went through 2 bags @ a level scoop just to see, because I’m a skeptic at heart too. And as a coach, consider the tax write-offs for a ‘business’ into that figure. You could never profit a cent and write off reasonable expenses for 2 years.
All your fees, a portion of your cell phone, and internet, at least plus a small amount of housing for home office use. (I am not a CPA but this is what mine told me.) If you stack it against Jamba Juice or a retail smoothie shop, you’re way ahead. Yes, it depends on how you look at it. How beneficial is it? LOTS of supplements are murky science. Worst case, it’s a bunch of handy, long shelf life, protein, fruits, veggies, etc. that I think you can compare favorably to most other health drinks and it tastes good, again IMHO.
Plus, you can try it for 30 days, and if it does nothing for you, get your money back. You have a month to see if it does anything for you. Heck, let’s just pretend NOTHING in it’s any good, but if you lost weight and felt better somehow, it worked. I’m sure someone would make THAT statement. As a whole, the Beachbody workouts and supplements worked for me, and how many people can say that something actually works vs. all the failed diet and exercise programs out there? I’ve got MY pictures, cholesterol results, and logged workouts to prove it. Why mess with success by trying to pick the pieces apart?
Rob, just to toss in my 2 cents, I’d rather people eat the fruits and veggies -even frozen fruits and veggies – because Shakeology – shelf life or not – does not contain whole fruits or veggies, rather just extracts. Also, I’m pretty sure your cholesterol dropped in part because of your weight loss (and exercise) rather than a direct cholesterol lowering effect of shakeology. I see no proof that shakeology alone lowers cholesterol. That said I’m glad you have found something that has worked for you. Like all weight loss paths, results will vary and be based in part on how much effort the person puts into the program.
The idea of the tax write offs for BB coaches is interesting and its a benefit you can get from almost any other home-based business.
Sure, you can get a tax benefit from any other business, but if you use supplements, want to buy gear and programs, or use one of our services such as meal planning, it may be a better way to buy them when factors such as that are considered. We offer a lot more than P90X and Shakeology.
That to me is one of the main functions of a coach, hence I find the term appropriate. Customer: here’s my issues: (price, time, convenience, goals). Coach: here’s something you may not have considered, here’s what I do, try this, etc.
I try to lower cost, and get better results for people. That’s it.
We all want to make money and there’s good and bad coaches out there just like there are good and bad used car salesman, insurance agents, etc.
My goals I try to keep to: best price, best service, best results, live the example. Money will follow.
I digress. As to the whole food concept, I don’t think you yourself could make the case you can get the best results with whole food ALONE otherwise, why look at any supplement, ever?
In my case (airline pilot) you CANNOT do whole food alone. Customs issues alone prevent that, both into and out of the country. Also timing: where do I get fruit and healthy cereal at 4something AM? What do I do late at night at a hotel in the middle of nowhere when the kitchen is closed? I’m in the cockpit for almost 4 hours. What then? And the time factor, which everyone has issues with.
Again, I suppose that’s a digression from the relative worth or not of the supplement. But it does mix pretty well with just a shaker cup and some ice, which others may not and it travels well and I can get it through security. I think it tastes pretty good like that but I doubt any shakes without a lot of sugar and calories are going to be a total 100% taste treat without texture, flavor, or aftertaste issues. If you saw the diet and fitness state of many airline pilots you’d want them to consider a bag too.
You gotta compromise somewhere, sometimes.
Rob, interesting. so if I took shakeology to the airport, it would not red flag with TSA? I know they have a limit on the amount of liquids I bring on board a plane. What about powdered substances? This never occurred to me until you brought it up. Just wondering what would happen to a passenger, going on a week long trip who tried to bring several days worth of shakeology with them in their carry on bag.
I mention the whole food because the evidence for many supplements stems from the research done on food and not the supplements themselves. Sometimes scientists concentrate things that they think are the active ingredients in food. sometimes they are right and sometimes they are not right. While I see a place for some supplements and when it comes to convenience, they are unparalleled, Id rather do the food when I can and supplement where needed. In the case of what you are doing as well as shift workers, police on stakeouts etc I can see where a meal replacement would be worth it.
Well, I’m a pilot so we get special privileges, but we do get screened at my airport, just different rules. I once brought 6 lbs of PB2 packed close together in 1lb mylar vacuum packed bricks and they looked at it, but let me through. I bet it did look suspicious on xray. I don’t THINK there is a restriction on powders, because you can turn a solid into a powder just by smashing it.
Worst case, they might swab and run it for explosives screening. Consult the TSA website but I don’t think it’s an issue. Even coming through customs I asked about it and they are looking for whole foods really. I put down that I had PB2 and protein shakes, and they didn’t care basically. Once again, consult appropriate sources but I’ve never heard of any problems. I have heard horror stories about huge whole food fines from bananas and stuff you forgot to claim that you grabbed from the U.S. hotel that morning and came back from Mexico with and forgot you had. As in, hundreds of dollars. That’s a lot of Shakeology budget.
As to extract vs. whole, all except the last two items on the ingredients label are powdered, so I would consider them portable, concentrated whole foods. They just took the water out. I’m not sure about the grape seed, which is 50mg, but for the green tea extract, they decaffeinate using water so it may have to be listed as an extract as a result. Out of the 48,000 milligram serving size of Shakeology, only 100mg is listed as extract. The rest is whole if you consider dried and powdered to be whole. A .002 portion.
Thanks for calling me “lazy” for trying to get my nutrition in. Won’t be visiting this blog again.
Hi Joe,
First off, so there is no confusion, I am an independent team beachbody coach. I am also doctor of physical therapy and have multiple other degrees in the sciences.
I wanted to thank you for your review of Shakeology. I had many of the same concerns and look for peer reviewed articles on items I am planning on trying. And I agree, I think Beachbody should provide Shakeology to a university to perform such studies.
As for myself, I ordered Shakeology and drank one shake a day for 60 days. Prior to that, I went to my own physician and we took cholesterol and blood sugar (fasting and 2 hour uptake) levels. I did NOTHING to change my diet. I ate the same cruddy food I was guilty of eating due to my busy schedule. I in fact ADDED Shakeology to my daily caloric intake.
After 60 days my physician and I re-tested my cholesterol and my blood sugar levels. I did in fact lower my cholesterol consistent with the reported levels from Beachbody. My blood sugar level (fasting) also reduced from Pre-Diabetic levels to a roughly 75-80. Of course, if you would like to slam that I do not have those numbers directly in front of me at this moment, I will concede. But I can dig up those records and provide those exact numbers later. Oh, my lab work was performed by a gold standard diagnostic lab out of state as well.
Is this definitive? Certainly not. But it certainly did provide me the information to allow me to begin my health improvement focus. So yes, I became a beachbody coach to get my Shakeology at a more affordable rate (as well as discounted exercise programs). But I also know that when I have a fully booked case load of patients, my shakeology in the middle of the afternoon helps give me “more energy” (note those quotes… it is completely subjective, not quantitative).
I will also note that I have all 3 flavors. Chocolate is by far my least favorite. I actually enjoy greenberry (which per their marketing is the least popular) and the new tropical strawberry is nice as well (though requires extensive blending and a sit and rest period to resolve the grittiness from the brown rice protein).
Thank you again for the review. I am sorry you did not care for the chocolate. If you are interested in trying the other flavors, feel free to contact me. I will even let you pay for the cost of the samples to avoid any potential bias on a “freebie.”
As a person who has experienced the traveling issue noted above by Robert and Joe. I purchase the individually packaged Shakeology. It is individually labeled, complete with ingredients/nutrition, and passes through airport security without issue. I packed enough for 10 days my last trip south, went through 4 different airports, and never had an issue with it. Travel smarter, buy it in individual packets if you travel frequently.
Laura, thanks for writing and thanks for your feedback and for your info on your blood sugar levels. No need to “prove” it. I will take your word. Question, did your weight decrease while taking shakeology? Just curious as I know weight loss can reduce blood sugar levels. Either way, I am very glad you are moving away from metabolic syndrome as we both know what bad things that can lead to.
As an aside I did an interview with someone who cured her type II diabetes through weight loss and exercise so if anyone would like to read her story here it is http://www.joe-cannon.com/interview-yolanda-bowles-diabetes-exercise-nutrition-cure-type-ii-diabetes/
Veronica, not sure what you are referring to. I don’t remember anybody calling you “lazy.” In fact I searched the comments for the word “lazy” and “veronica” and didn’t see either mentioned anywhere. I know I would never insult anybody for using shakeology or any supplement for that matter.
Hi Joe,
In fact I did NOT lose any weight during that 60 day trial period. (And why would I? I had increased my caloric intake, without adding exercise into the program to negate those calories). I in fact stayed at regular weight (about 115lbs. overweight). Now, since that initial 60 day trial, I HAVE added exercise into my diet and completely changed my eating plan. Due to a severe allergic reaction to eating fresh produce with bruising (mold allergies), I have to be very careful about making my own fresh shakes. That is one of the things that made me look into Shakeology brand in the first place. (Plus, the state I live in has to barge in/ship in all of our produce).
And to be honest, I have a very tightly regulated schedule between my patient caseloads, exercise, hobbies, marriage, household… life in general. That maintaining the stores of fresh produce, cleaning properly, making the shakes takes time and space that I just do not have (we still have to find time for those 7-8 hours of sleep we need!). So grabbing a package of Shakeology, tossing it into a shaker cup, adding water, or milk, almond milk, juice… whatever, and I am out the door. Super handy when I am out hiking or out with friends too. But I am not one of those super pushy coaches either.
I also agree with another post of yours regarding personal trainers. As a physical therapist, there is not a year that goes by where I don’t get quite a few patients from injuries caused by poorly educated though well meaning personal trainers. So again it all comes with the territory. You will have good, the bad, and the ugly. And hopefully we can keep doing studies and researching what will help us all. If I had more time in my schedule I would try and write up some case studies. Not just on my results, but also from some of my customers (including patients who have lowered their blood pressure enough to come off their medications, as well as diabetics (type II) coming off their metformin). There are plenty of testimonials out there… but you are right, we need more case studies and larger source groups to do some double blind studies.
Laura, well then if you didn’t lose weight then that is very interesting and I hope the people at beachbody see this and do some research because its encouraging. Since you mentioned the personal trainers, I thought I’d pass along my review of rhabdomyolysis as it pertains to personal training. It’s off topic (sorry everybody) but I thought you might like to pass this along to your patients as I believe its under-repoted in the medical literature http://www.joe-cannon.com/rhabdomyolysis-personal-trainers-exercise-review-symptoms-negatives-eccentric-fitness-bootcamp/
Good luck with your case load (I know what your paperwork is like!)
I don’t know if I mentioned it before but I went from 198 lbs fasting cholesterol of 297 to 165 lbs non fasting 196 with a ratio of 2.7 as of about two months ago jan 2012. My ratio before was not good. Now its very good.
Of course, I just did p90x to begin, worked more and more on my diet and finally added Shakeology after being a coach for about 8 months.
So my route was not typical but it works.
I have kept the weight of 165 within 3 to 5 lbs for about 2 years now.
I started out doing Insanity workout, currently doing P90X2.. I also have MS! I decided to try Shakeology after seeing all that was in each shake. I noticed a difference in how my body functions within the first 2 weeks.. I have a TON of energy now whereas before I was struggling to make it through the day.. Anyone who has MS or knows someone who has it will understand what I am talking about! Don’t know if i will ever stop using Shakeology, but each person is different, so it may work perfect for me and not for someone else, I encourage people to try it, give it a month then make the decision for yourself
Mike:
I am a physician who is now considerably more concerned about nutrition and wellness than most physicians. However, this was not always the case. After finishing medical school I finished a four year residency training program in Emergency Medicine (ie: I am an “ER Doc” for lay people). However, over the past two years I realize I am wired more to be a preventive medicine physician and think the WHOLE country would be better off if more physicians practiced preventive medicine.
Joe:
I was very favorably impressed with your review on Shakeology finding it both objective and scientifically disciplined. Additionally, I was impressed with your response to Mike’s Jan 25 response. No doubt your readers benefit from your commitment to objective unbiased reviews. Thank your for your professionalism and commitment to wellness.( I would enjoy speaking with you please give me a call)
Sean, thanks for your very kind words. Much appreciated. I just left you a voice mail and will look forward to talking to you.
Joe,
I applaud you for a well-reasoned and thoughtful review. I’m a physician-scientist and personally believe that most if not all supplements are scams. This one is no different. They make it sound complex, which it is, as if complexity in and of itself makes it unique. Hunting down tropical ingredients, fake science plus glossy marketing reminds me eerily of the scam that was Airborne (invented by a school teacher!).
Based on my experience, I will bet my life savings that Beachbody will NEVER subject this or any other supplement to a clinical trial. Why pay the up front money to (likely) get a negative result in a true double blind placebo controlled stud when they can simply market the hell out of it. Supplements are essentially unregulated, so why kill the goose that laid the golden egg?
Michael, Thanks for your kind words. My hope is that a grad student or college professor takes up the task of designing a controlled study and publishing it.
Joe,
That will never happen because studies like that require significant sums of money, and money for such studies is really tight. What would the NIH rather support, a study on a new cancer drug or one to test the relative merits of a voluntary supplement? As you probably know, large placebo controlled studies on vitamin supplements have been uniformly negative.
Michael, I understand. I would even like to see a study done by a grad student if it was well done and published. I think that type of study could be done rather cheaply. Yes I’ve seen the studies on vitamins and their lack of effect. That’s why I often recommend getting the nutrients from food when possible.
Hey, Can you do a review on Arbonne’s Protein shake? I’ve been drinking a meal replacement shake for years. At first I was buying them at the health food store and it was made with soy protein. Then I switched to Arbonne’s (it’s very reasonable $$ with my 35% distributor’s discount and I don’t promote it or anything) and i like that it’s plant based protein and made with STEVIA. I tried the Visalus Shake (I was going to do the body-by-vi challenge) but I’m lactose intolerant and extremely sensitive to splenda and, well..it made me bloated and gassy (lol). It stopped as soon as I quit taking it.
Anyhoo, I went back to Arbonne’s and my digestive system is back to normal — I’m strictly wanting to look at it from a product perspective, not MLM.
Can you also do a review on Skinnyfiber? I did alot of research on it and found most people aren’t meeting half the daily requirements for fiber. I liked that the product has glucomannan as well as some other ingredients that suppress the appetite.
Michelle, I’ll see if I can get a sample of Arbonne’s protein shake. I didn’t know they had one. Thanks for letting me know about it.
Michelle, the name skinny fiber immediately makes my “spidey sense” to tingle because I thought all fiber could help with weight loss. Glucomannan is in several other products Ive already reviewed (just put glucomannan in the search box and those reviews pop up). Ill see if I can turn up anything on skinny fiber.
Thanks for the review. It is good to finally see something that isn’t a “buy shakeology now ad” presented as some sort of honest review on it.
Do you have any opinion on Optimum Nutrition Pro Complex?
Joe, thanks I apprecaite that. no opinion yet about optimum nutrition pro complex. if you give me the main ingredients, calories fat etc I can give an educated guess.
Has someone sent you the new vegan version of Shakeology yet? I will if you will cover my cost on the packets.
As a minimum, I can say I tolerate it better than whey, and I like the flavor. It’s a little grainy due to the brown rice protein.
I have not seen very many vegan supplements, so at least it might be a new option for V’s of all sorts. It costs about 25 cents more a serving, but I think that’s pretty negligible.
Robert, not yet maybe soon I think, thanks.
Joe,
Were you reviewing the improved version of Juice Plus Complete? I thought I read somewhere that you were. I hope I didn’t miss it!
Judy
Hey Joe! I told you about the Arbonne shake months ago but I know you get a lot of comments. Let me know if you want to try a sample which lists all the ingredients.
Judy, you didn’t miss it. Juice Plus Complete is on my list. I do have a sample. I just need to write the review. I do hope to get to it soon.
Janet, I’ll send you an email privately on this.
Thanks for the input, Joe.
The Optimum Nutrition Pro Complex breakdown is as follows:
Calories 270
Calories from Fat 10
Total Fat 1 g
Saturated Fat 0.5 g
Cholesterol 20 mg
Sodium 250 mg
Total Carbohydrate 5 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g
Sugars 1 g
Protein 60 g
Vitamin A 50%
Vitamin C 100%
Calcium 25%
Iron 6%
Vitamin E 100%
Thiamin 50%
Riboflavin 50%
Niacin 50%
Vitamin B6 50%
Folic Acid 50%
Vitamin B12 50%
Biotin 50%
Pantothenic Acid 50%
Chromium 100%
Aminogen 250 mg
Now all this is based upon 2 scoops, I go with just one because after I add it to milk I am close to 40 grams of protein anyway, so no need to waste an extra scoop (from my perspective, everything can be cut in half).
Ingredients are as follows:
Protein Blend (Whey Protein Isolate, Glutamine Peptides, L-Leucine, Egg Albumin, Whey Peptides, L-Isoleucine, L-Valine), Cocoa (Processed With Alkali), Natural And Artificial Flavors, Lecithin, Aminogen®, Vitamin/Mineral Blend (Ascorbic Acid, Maltodextrin, D-Alpha Tocopherol Succinate, Niacinamide, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Chromium Polynicotinate, Riboflavin, Thiamin Mononitrate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Biotin, Folic Acid, Cyanocobalamin), Salt, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Lactase
Thanks again for all your insight and input.
Joe, overall it doesn’t look too bad. In 1 scoop its got 135 calories and 30 g of protein. The sodium caught my eye. Protein supplements sometimes have more sodium than I’d like. 1 scoop of yours has 125 mg which overall isn’t “too bad” but as a rule I like it to be as little as possible. I use Dymatize Elite Whey (chocolate) which has 24 g protein in a scoop and is 117 calories. It has 85 mg of sodium in a scoop.
Joe, thanks for the unbiased opinions, and for being polite to the folks who are shilling the Shakeology via your comments section. I have a friend who decided to become a Beachbody “Coach,” instead of selling Avon. (No, really – she had to make some extra cash, and her choices came down to selling makeup or shakes.) I helped her out by purchasing a months’ supply…big mistake.
First, both flavors I tried were nasty (this was before the new strawberry stuff). Second, I noticed absolutely no improvement in my health or sense of well-being. I’m about 20 pounds overweight, exercise 3x/week, and replaced my breakfast with the shakes. Aside from feeling jittery until almost lunchtime every day, nothing happened. No weight loss (except in my wallet!), no increase in energy, just those jitters and a strained friendship when I refused to waste more money on the powder. Incidentally, her money-making goals are failing, as most of her customers buy once and never again.
If it were really as good as the “coaches” want you to believe, the company make it available via a direct website ordering system, instead of making you go through one of the salespeople who aren’t required to have ANY qualifications in the fitness/health field whatsoever. As other posters have stated, let the company conduct some peer-reviewed, double-blind studies in an academic setting…then I’ll take them seriously.
Louise, thanks for your words and I think you are the first to mention feeling jittery after taking shakeology. I know a lot of people look at Shakeolody as a way to earn extra income (and get shakeology cheaper). Something to pass along to your friend, I was told once by a shakeology coach (who said me made 6 figures a year selling the stuff) that the average beach body coach only makes $250 a month. I can’t corroborate what he said (or how much me makes) but he was the first to answer my question about what the average beachbody coach makes per month.
As a guy, I can rationalize selling shakes over make up
Hi Joe,
I continue to see people get really emotional over this product, which I can understand as we are emotional creatures, but what I don’t understand is why they get so angry about a shake? There is NO reasonable expectation that a nutrition shake will work or be perfect for EVERY person. Which is why the Beachbody company offers a “bottom of the bag” guarantee. You can use it all in a month, and if you are not satisfied with it for ANY reason, you can get your purchase price back. That is FAR more reasonable than anything you will get at a typical store.
I do cringe at how some coaches market the shake, I too sell it (I have posted on your page before about my health improvements confirmed by medical testing), but I do not involve myself in high pressure sales, only letting people know how I improved with it in my energy and my health (reduction of medication dosages and frequency of need to take them in some cases)(and NO it was not in response to weight loss, since I know you will ask that).
Honestly when it comes down to it, it is a personal choice that has far fewer issues than many of the medications prescribed by doctors. All you need to do is watch tv commercials for medications and listen to all the potential side effects to know that.
So in the end, I think if people would simply take a deep breath, calm down a bit, and get away from their “blame anyone but myself” mode of thought this country has regressed to, and eat better, exercise more; all the inflammatory commentary could subside. Seriously, if you compare what the typical American eats to this shake; I am truly wondering what they have to get so upset about.
Just my 2 cents. Thanks again!
Laura, I think you hit the nail on the head about the high pressure to sell. I think some people get emotional because they have invested a lot of time and energy into the product and have put pressure on themselves to produce. It may be sometimes hard to hear diverging ideas when you are passionate about a topic. Your 2 cents is more like a dollar
That’s true to a point, but that is what makes a product stand up to greater scrutiny. Another point I wanted to make is that without independent credentials in medicine or nutrition, beachbody coaches or any other product representatives/distributors (Juice Plus included), should not consider themselves experts in nutrition. We all need to know our limitations, and sometimes, it seems like that line becomes blurred between basic knowledge of the product and medical expertise. Hope that made sense!
I can’t remember if I mentioned this or not, and of course it’s anecdotal and could be caused by other things BUT I have noticed I do not get eye fatigue in my left eye like I used to.
It’s a marginal 20/20 eye but it used to actually hurt a little late at night often, and I had fatigue in it a lot.
I do not get this any more, and I think it is a combination of Shakeology’s antioxidants, and my workout program that leads to better blood flow and probably O2 in my blood.
Could be a combination of many factors, but it’s a data point.
Thank you for your time spent reviewing the product, I greatly appreciate the review.
I am a Registered Dietitian (RD), aka the true nutrition professional. For those who have not heard the term RD before, it requires at least a 4-year degree, an internship and successful passing of an exam. It is much different from a “nutritionist” who often needs no education or special training for his or her title (at least within the state of CA).
As a clinical dietitian, I pretty much never recommend supplements to my patients, with the only exception being a medical condition diagnosed by a doctor that requires supplementation. That said, I am CONSTANTLY trying to educate people on supplements, and most of the time that means I am trying to explain to them why they do not need the product(s).
I recently had someone ask me a question specifically about Shakeology, so I decided to learn more about the product by searching the internet. Initially I was frustrated because everything I found linked back to a BB or Shakeology website. Of course, I see through their bogus claims, particularly pertaining to their “research.” {Or shall I say lack there of… any weight loss will correct or improve lipid panel results or improve blood glucose levels. For research novices, I would also like to note that an individual’s testament to how effective a product is does not constitute substitution of clinical trials, even though Laura E. tries to provide compelling reasons.}
Finally, I came across your post. I appreciate your breakdown of the product, especially the point that there are no clinical trials backing the statements made by Shakeology! I am very happy to be able to refer people back to your post so they too can read your review of the product. You take a lot of words out of my mouth throughout your post, and in the following comments. I especially love the remarks about eating whole fresh fruits and vegetables, as Shakeology contains only extracts. I think it would be better (and likely cheaper) for someone to throw fresh fruits and veggies into a blender, add some yogurt and make a shake the good old fashion way!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge, and for the entertainment (mainly in your interactions with Mike). ☺
To state up front, yes, I am a Coach with TBb (Coaches are with Team Beachbody, not Beachbody – what the difference is? I honestly couldn’t tell you). Just thought I would address a couple of things, starting with the “jittery” feeling after drinking the shakes. I have issues with my blood sugar levels in general, not diabetic, but hypoglycemic. I have had to play around with my meals in order to avoid that feeling my whole life because frankly blacking out isn’t my idea of fun. I added more carbs to my shakeology meal by having a yogurt as well as the shake, and that has fixed it for me because of the increased protein and sugar levels, you could always try adding something extra to counteract, whether it is a carb or protein, but you need to know you and what is going on. In the meantime, stop drinking it and check with a doctor.
The biggest difference I have noticed “personally” with drinking it (that I could “prove” if necessary) is hair and nail growth. My hair is growing faster (almost twice as fast) and my nails are healthier and stronger as well. I also in general feel better the days that I drink my shake than the days that I don’t. But I eat like a picky 4 year old (meaning hardly any veggies and even less fruits – like, less than 10 items when you add them all together) so I drink Shakeology to get the nutrients, along with taking a daily vitamin. I will say that before getting Shakeology, the daily vitamin didn’t seem to do anything for me.
To address the discussion of the push for Shakeology, as a Coach, I am willing to admit that THAT angers me (the coaches who push it, not the statement made above). The only way, it seems, to get to the big income is by having a lot of customers on home direct (so they get the shake every thirty days) and you get a commission every 30 days off of their purchase, because the programs are 60 to 90 days, and many people buy once and then never again, meaning no residual income. Those coaches that push are in this for the wrong reason – the money. The RIGHT reason is helping people to lose weight and get healthy through a “clean” diet and regular exercise which is what we as coaches really do, we inspire, we motivate, we encourage. Now, that being said, the high pressure to sell that you mentioned? That doesn’t come from the company. That comes from within, or from other coaches, but not TBb itself.
Another thing, you mentioned that it could possibly affect people who are medicated for depression. I am manic depressive / bi-polar and strictly medication (200 mg of lamotrigene every day) and have not noticed any issues regarding that particular area of my life, but, exercise makes a person mentally healthier, so who knows if that is offsetting it. That could be why I haven’t been affected.
There was a comment in your article about asking for our credentials before taking specific advice, and any time I have a customer request information about a specific issue, I tell them what little I do or don’t know and also to double check with their doctor, but that is me
As for the average income of a TBb coach, I am curious as to where that person got that amount from.
Anyway, that all being said – thanks for the great review! I have been looking into a lot of nutritional information lately (because of my hypoglycemia and my aversion to healthy food), and that includes researching as much as I can about Shakeology to see if it ACTUALLY is worth spending $95 a month on it (and I agree, there need to be clinical studies and there aren’t). Oh, and the Green Berry and the Tropical? ICK! The chocolate is yummy in my opinion, I mix it with 8 oz Almond Milk and 12 ounces of water in case you were wondering.
Have a wonderful day, and I look forward to reading more reviews by you!
Dawn, thanks for saying all that and I apprecaite your honesty! As for the average amount that a Teach Beach Body Coach makes, the $250/ month stat came from a guy who attended a class I was teaching. He was a TBC and said he was making “6 figures” selling shakeology. I took him at his word but cant confirm anything he said.
Hi Joe–
Thanks for taking the time to write such a good article. I am about to start Shakeology, although I do still remain slightly on the fence about it. I have joined a beachbody challenge doing the Slim in 6 exercise program and of course Shakeology is optional in this challenge…I have been back and forth in my mind about it and decided to just try it. I guess we shall see how it works…thanks again for such a good unbiased article!
Good luck Melva and thanks!
Melva: Remember that there is a 30 day ‘Bottom of the bag’ guarantee. So, all you have to do is return the empty bag for a refund. Your coach should also tell you about the maximum discount, or at least I do as a coach…but that’s me. Coaches save huge on it, and several of my customers are coaches just for that reason.
Great article, it is nice to see someone’s honest opinion.
Hi Joe, great information. I know this is an older article, but I wonder if you were ever able to find any independent studies or trials for this product since you originally posted?
Gilbert, thanks. I keep an eye out for new stuff on Shakeology but as far as I can tell BeachBody, the company that makes Shakeology, has not published any studies. When/if they do, I will definitely update this review with that new information.
First, let me state that I am also a Team Beachbody Coach and I currently use Shakeology.
I’ve been using the stuff for about 3 weeks now and I haven’t noticed any difference in energy or anything else positive. And, other than Shakeology, I haven’t changed my diet at all and just got out of the hospital for an small bowel obstruction. Did Shakeology cause it? I don’t know, but the coincidence is too much to discount…
Prior to adding Shakeology to my daily intake, I was (and still am) in fantastic shape. I eat plenty of veggies and fruits, in addition to appropriate amounts of lean protein and whole grains (starting to question the grains though). Using P90X alone (and eating right), I lost a total of 62 pounds and ~20% body fat. This was without Shakeology…
I’m still on the fence about it and honestly, the only reason I’m using it right now is because it satisfies my monthly coach point requirements. However, after the hospital incident, I’m not sure if I’m going to continue with Shakeology or as a TBB coach.
← Previous Comments
{ 2 trackbacks }